Pacific Ring of Fire Expedition. Small crabs (~10 cm) are actively roaming the venting area. This species was first discovered on a seamount at the north end of the Mariana Arc by Japanese biologists. Its name is Austinograea yunohana; yunohana, meaning "flower of sulphur" (upper right inset).The vent shrimp (~3 cm) are probably feeding on bacterial mat coating the rocks (lower right inset).

Image ID: expl0041, Voyage To Inner Space - Exploring the Seas With NOAA Collect
Location: Mariana Arc region, Western Pacific Ocean
Photo Date: 2004 April
Credit: Pacific Ring of Fire 2004 Expedition. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration; Dr. Bob Embley, NOAA PMEL, Chief Scientist

Category: Ocean exploration/

• High Resolution Photo Available